Goa Tourist Attractions In the local dialect, Goa is often referred to as "Goa Dourada" (meaning "Golden Goa") because of its beaches, forts, churches, temples, waterfalls, seminaries and caves. Goa is rich not only in culture or entertainment, but it also has a rich floral and faunal heritage making it a complete destination. Travel to Goa, the Pearl of the East, for scintillating vacations in the beach capital of India. Check out the places that Goa has to offer. Goa is adorned by some of the finest beaches in the state, kissed by the passionate, azure sea and embraced by the land and shaded by swaying palms. Dona Paula beach is a heaven for water sports lovers. Calangute beach, now a popular beach destination was discovered by the hippies. Anjuna beach is a beautiful beach known more as the freak capital of the world. Colva beach is the pride of Salcete and one of the best beaches in Goa. Miramar and Vagator beaches are comparable to the best beaches around the world. Apart from its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Goa has other attractions of significance. The countryside is dotted with fishing villages, luxurious old estates, ancient temples & forts. And there are cathedrals & plazas lingering with its strong Portuguese architectural heritage. Forts and Churches of Goa take the visitor to an era far back in time. They are more than mere monuments of stone. Churches glistening in the distance and soaring upwards as white objects on the most commanding spots and pointing their crosses towards heaven is a common sight in the landscape of Goa. These are the fruits of centuries of Evangelization, which bears eloquent testimony to the energy, and enthusiasm of various monastic orders established in the Old Goa - the first chunk of Indian territory to fall into the hands of the new colonizers after the discovery of the sea-route to India. The alliance between the 'sword' and the 'cross' was a close one. Travel to the capital and the most happening city of Goa, Panaji or Panjim. Mapusa Bazaar is considered as the oldest weekly fair on the Konkan Coast. Shri Mangesh Temple in Madgoa is the most sacred place for the Goan Hindus. Shri Shanta Durga Temple is dedicated to Goddess of peace, Shanteri. Shri Ramanath Temple is a part of Shri Ramanath Panchayatan, a temple complex at Ponda. Goa Beaches The ideal combination of sun, sand, sea and surf is enough to send a person packing his bags and go on a short holiday. It becomes even better when that holiday is in one of the popular Goan beaches. Goa has a long coastline that makes it the ideal state to have beaches. The beaches of Goa are the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and holiday in India. Goa Churches Goa is literally synonymous with churches. They are living testimonies of the rich historical past of Goa. During the early days of the Portuguese rule in India, church building was the primary concern and occupation in Goa. This was because of their zeal to spread Christianity and convert as many people as they can. Goa Carnival One of the most colorful and popular festival of Goa is the Goa Carnival. This three day extravaganza, of fun, frolic, amusement and merry-making, takes place in the month of February. The Goa Carnival festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Though essentially a Christian festival, all people of Goa, irrespective of their faith and religion take part in this festival. Dudhsagar Waterfalls The Dudhsagar waterfalls are located in the Sanguem district of Goa near the Goa-Karnataka border. It is located at a distance of around 60 kilometers from Margao and can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from either Margao or Panaji. Goa Spice Plantations Goa is synonymous to its exotic beaches and pulsating nightlife. Tourists come here to enjoy the relaxed pace of life and rediscover themselves in peaceful and serene surroundings. But there is more to Goa than just beaches, churches, nightlife and casinos. A major attraction in the rural side is the spice plantation of Goa. Narven- Bicholim Sri Saptakoteeswara Temple When returning to Panaji from Harvalem, one can visit the famous temple of Sri Saptakoteshwar Naroa, Bicholim. Sri Saptakoteshwara was the deity of the Kadambas who built a beautiful temple dedicated to this deity at the Diwar Island. Sri Ananta Temple This is one of the well-known temples situated in Ponda Taluka at Sovoi Verem. This is the only temple of Ananata in Goa. It is surrounded by water and gorgeous scenery Sri Chandreshwar Temple This is a temple on Chandranath hill, where one has to climb the huge granite steps to reach to the temple of Sri Chandreshwar. The temple been designed in such a way, that moonlight directly falls on the Shiva Linga on full moon nights. Sri Devaki Krishna Temple Situated on Panaji -Ponda Road, is the temple dedicated to Devaki Krishna at Marcel. The deity has been brought from Chorao and beautifully carved in black stone. Sri Kalika Temple One of the most important Hindu monuments in North Goa is the temple dedicated to Sri Kalika situated in the Gillage Kansarpal. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple symbolizes a fine merge of aesthetics and architectural designs. Sri Kamakshi Temple another important religious monument dedicated to Sri Kamakashi is Sri Kamakshi Temple . The deity is believed to have come from Assam Sri Mahadev- Bhumika A ten minutes walk from Kasarpal is a temple complex with striking natural surroundings at village Sal, which is soon going to be converted into a tourist village. Sri Mahalasa the village of Mardol where nestles the temple of Sri Mahalasa. A huge 'Dipa Stambha' made of five metals is seen at the entrance of the temple, which was built in the 17th century. It has delicate wooden carvings of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Sri Manguesh Temple Sri Manguesh Temple is situated along the National Highway, 23-km from Panaji. It is the most prominent among temples. This temple is famous for its perfect splendor. an elegant lamp tower, a "Noubatkhana" overlooking the temple tank and the "Agrashalas" on three sides can be seen. Sri Naguesh Temple The galleries of the Sri Naguesh Temple contain exquisite specimen of intricate woodcarvings of famous episodes from Ramayana on one side and wooden images of "Astadikpal" and "Gandharva". Sri Ramnathi Temple located close to the temple of Naugesh, is the temple of Ramnathi. The deity is the incarnation of Lord Shiva and is equally respected by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites of the region. It is famous for its tranquil atmosphere. Sri Shantadurga Situated in Quepem Taluka, the temple dedicated to Shantadurga. The idol is made of five metals and is one foot in height. The deity is known as "Jagrit Devta" and holds in its arms a Trishula. Sri Vithal Temple Goa It lies in the hometown of the Ranes of Satari who played a key role in Goa's freedom struggle. A delicately carved wooden chariot representing the chariot of Arjuna of Mahabharata and driven by Lord Krishna is an important attraction of the temple compound.
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